United Way Toronto & York Region sets ambitious $101.5 million fundraising goal for 2016

InsideToronto.com
Sept. 13, 2016
By Justin Skinner

A year after the United Way merged its Toronto and York Region operations, the organization has launched an ambitious and record-setting yearly campaign for the area.

The United Way Toronto & York Region managed to top $100 million in donations over the past year, and is looking to top that impressive total in the coming year, setting a goal of $101.5 million. At a campaign launch event at RBC WaterPark Place on Queens Quay West on Tuesday, United Way CEO Daniele Zanotti said the lofty goal reflects the consolidated organization’s growth in fundraising power.

“One year into our merged United Way Toronto & York Region, what an impact we have had together,” he said. “Last year, we raised a record $100,250,000 for these communities from Lake Simcoe to Lake Ontario.”

Zanotti said the merger between the Toronto and York Region branches led to a three per cent increase in overall funding.

“That’s something we hadn’t experienced in York Region in years and years,” he said. “Companies that have their head offices in Toronto or York Region are now more able to mobilize and come together.”

The funds raised by the United Way Toronto & York Region will support some 220 member agencies throughout the regions, with a focus on community and neighbourhood-building, youth employment and poverty reduction.

The services that the United Way supports help in many ways, including helping young people like Nivethan Amirthalingam find work. He took part in United Way-funded networking opportunities to secure a job at RBC.

“It really helped me develop my professional network and made me a better person overall,” he said.

At the campaign launch event, United Way 2016 campaign chair Dave McKay of RBC announced a $1-million matching grant by long-time United Way supporters Mike and Martha Pederson.

He pointed out the impact money donated to the organization plays a pivotal role in helping vulnerable residents find the supports they need.

“The United Way plays such a pivotal role in bringing community together and helping those (vulnerable people) face risks and challenges in their lives,” he said.

For more information on the United Way Toronto & York Region’s work and its 2016 fundraising campaign, visit http://www.unitedwaytyr.com/